Navigating Rio Nuevo
By Karen Thoreson
This summer Rio Nuevo has been hotter than the weather. In July, the University of Arizona Science Center, a signature Rio Nuevo project, received the green light from ConsultEcon, Inc., an independent economic research and management consultant with a specialization in museums and attractions. We're making progress on the Historic Tucson Depot, and the pre-bid meeting for the West Congress property was standing room only. The addition of the Business Development Finance Corporation to the Rio Nuevo team highlights the importance of the private sector in the renovation of Downtown.
Have a Say in the Science Center
Now that the University of Arizona Science Center economic feasibility study is complete, the proposal will go to the Rio Nuevo Board, the Tucson Mayor and Council and the Arizona Board of Regents for consideration. In the meantime, the Rio Nuevo Citizens Advisory Committee wants to know what you think. The Science Center Sub Committee is sponsoring a Town Hall on Wednesday, September 3 (6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Leo Rich Theatre) to provide citizens with an opportunity to discuss the project and see presentations from Rio Nuevo and the University of Arizona. For more information on attending this public forum, call the Rio Nuevo office at 520-791-5580 or visit the Rio Nuevo web site at www.cityoftucson.org/rionuevo.
Kudos for Origins Park
In July, more than 100 citizens turned out to get an update on planning for Tucson Origins Park and to offer their suggestions and comments to the WLB Team that is developing the plan for the Park. Feedback from the attendees was extraordinarily positive - 90% saying they strongly supported Origins.
On August 27 at 7:00pm, a panel of team members for the Tucson Origins Cultural Park project will make a presentation about Origins at the Arizona Historical Society, 949 East Second Street. The program will give a preview of plans to reconstruct buildings at the Mission San Agustin west of the Santa Cruz River and portions of the Presidio wall downtown.
New Look Planned for Scott
Scott Avenue between Pennington and Broadway is in for a new look, starting next year. The Tucson Department of Transportation, with the help of a number of citizens, has completed a master plan for Scott that will be implemented over the course of several years. The section of Scott from McCormick to Alameda is currently unfunded, but TDOT has applied for a Transportation Enhancement Grant that could be used to fund renovations in that area. Kim McKay, who leads the project for TDOT, says the streetscape improvements will be coordinated with the construction of the new parking garage and retail center planned for the corner of Scott and Pennington.
BDFC Brings Private Sector Touch to Rio Nuevo
Following an extensive Request for Proposals process, Rio Nuevo has contracted with the Business Development Finance Corporation (BDFC) to bring more of a private sector focus to selected Rio Nuevo projects. The Corporation's first task will be to form a Community Development Entity creating an opportunity for the City to apply to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for New Markets Tax Credits. These credits would bring new dollars to Downtown projects by encouraging investment by companies or individuals who find tax credits a viable or desirable investment vehicle.
New Star on Church Avenue
Congratulations to the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation on the completion of renovation of the Star Building on Church Avenue. The ground floor of the 3,600 square foot, two-story building is now home to the Foundation offices. The 1880's era restoration includes items such as redwood window sashing and frames, a roof cornice, and metal ceilings. A City of Tucson Back to Basics grant of $130,000 helped finance the restoration.
Karen Thoreson is a Downtown enthusiast and City of Tucson Assistant City Manager. Her primary responsibility is the Rio Nuevo Project and Downtown. If you have questions about Rio Nuevo or suggestions on topics for this column, please contact Ms. Thoreson at kthores1@ci.tucson.az.us.
